Behavioral Interview

Behavioral interview is a relatively new mode of job interview. The behavioral interview technique is used by employers to evaluate a candidate's experiences and behaviors in order to determine their potential for success. Behavioural interview is based on the premise that the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour.

Behavioral interview usually focuses on a number of individual 'behaviors' or 'competencies' that the company has identified as being particularly important for the job. These competencies would include teamwork, creativity, persistence, communications et al.

In a behavioral interview, the interviewer asks the candidate to describe situations that he/she has actually experienced. For example, if they want to know whether you are a team player or not, they might ask you about your best team experience and why you consider it the best. If you have strong teamwork capabilities or tendencies they will come to the fore when you describe your best team. A candidate who prefers to work alone will find it difficult to think about and describe an effective team experience.

As a candidate, you should be equipped to answer the questions thoroughly. You can prepare better for this type of interview if you know which skills that the employer has predetermined to be necessary for the job you seek. In the interview, your response needs to be specific and detailed. Candidates who tell the interviewer about particular situations that relate to each question will be far more effective and successful than those who respond in general terms.

Here is a list of probable behavioral interview questions that you may face.

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuade someone successfully to agree to your point of view.

• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.

• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to achieve it.

• Tell me about a time when you had to use your communication skills to influence someone's opinion.

• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.

• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.

• Give me an example of a time when you had to think on your feet and take a split second decision.

• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.

• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you.